Another Update From The Road

After the drive through Mount Isa we spent time in Winton as I was wanting to show DI where I had been on the team that did production for the 1995 Waltzing Matilda Centenary celebrations. As we neared the town we found out that the Outback festival was on so we stopped for the afternoon and walked around enjoying the different things going on. As you walk down the street you can’t help but notice the bins as they are made to look like dinosaur feet. We grabbed a ticket for the Waltzing Matilda Centre and went through the exhibits including some dinosaur bones as well as a large amount of old machinery and a multi media presentation that was great. They projected an image onto a large oval shaped area full of opaque rods. When you looked a bit further there was a display of old medical technology and an old iron lung for paralyzed patients. I am really thankful that we live in this time with all the advancements in medical care. We looked at a hybrid caravan/camper trailer and that is always a bad thing to do as they look so nice compared to the Hilux Hilton and they have a real shower and you take everything in drawers and it slides out. But after looking we found out the price and we were cured of that desire.

Later that night we came to a place that was pretty nice with loos that were clean so we set up camp a fair way back from the road just in case of trucks. We had the whole place to ourselves for a while but someone joined us later complete with a big dog that wasn’t overly friendly and would’ve liked to bite me I think. Anyway they camped far enough away that it wasn’t an issue. After we made our dinner we settled down for the night and slept well until a road train full of sheep turned up. I thought at the start the truckie was adjusting something as you could hear the hoofs of the sheep as they moved around and the occasional running water which turned out not to be water. But one good thing was that we had camped up wind so we never smelt the sheep., but the same could not be said for the guy with the grumpy dog who was copping it all.

We set off at first light and headed for Longreach and got into town around 4 pm so we headed to the Stockman’s Hall of Fame to see when it opened and how much it was. When we got there we were really pleased as we were offered a 99 dollar ticket that included dinner and a show that night as well as entrance to the Hall of Fame the next day and another show. It was such a great score not only did we not have to worry about dinner we got an evenings entertainment as well. At dinner we got the privilege of sitting with a young couple on their honeymoon and some seasoned travellers so it was a great meal. Steak and roast veggies was the order of the night and all you could eat at that too. The show started and it was great to see the skills of the performers and hear about the history of the Australian stock horse and some of the training methods and the roles they have performed. The show included stock horses quarter horses and a huge bull that weighed over a tonne. The show itself was very informative but really entertaining and included the best of the stockman and the skills they learn. After the show we went back to sleep having had a great night and recommending it to anyone as it really is good value.

We woke up the next morning and made our way to the Hall of Fame and started what would be a very long but educational day. we started with the stories of the travelling merchants and what they sold as well as telecommunications and their development throughout our history. Along each wall they have stories of people who made a real difference in spite of the circumstances and challenges that the Australian outback gives. It was great seeing the history of the major cattle stations as well as the wool trade and just how much effect it had on the Australian economy and still does. We looked at the Christian origins of the Royal Flying Doctor Service and its’ growth in both reach and equipment. As a side note every time we drove across vast distance some of the roads were widened as emergency landing strips for the Flying Doctor service to get to patients.

The second show was at 11 so we made our way out and were taken through the process of breaking in a horse and what a stockman needs and also goes through to perform their job at the different stations. He also broke into song every so often and while it wasn’t my style of music it was ok. There was no denying that this guy had some serious riding skills and so did his wife. After the show we continued looking through the place for another few hours and reading the stories of past Australians and how times have changed. It was great to see the contributions of indigenous Australians honoured as without their help much of Australia would remain out of reach. It is shame that some of the past was stories of abuse against them but hopefully we as a people have learned from our past so that we do not repeat it. Their is brilliance in us all regardless of background of where we come from.

A Big Drive Across

After leaving Katherine we headed down to the three roads junction on the way to Tennant Creek and we turned off just before as we had word that our oldest daughter had been in an accident and rolled her car. Although she is ok it still isn’t easy being on the road when you hear that news. So we thought while the top end is closed we might pass by home to make sure she is really ok to Mum and Dad standard. We decided not to rush too much and saw another brown sing to a little place called Daly Waters and I have to tell you this place was a cracker. Even from the fuelling up experience, I stopped at the bowser and filled the hilux and there was a sign go to the pub after you fill up. So I filled up and went into the pub and the guy said how much did you get and that’s what I payed for. Inside this place were thongs, t-shirts, business cards, you name it and it was on the walls. They had an Anzac commemoration outside with an old vehicle and of course the helicopter on the service station. I was feeling a bit hungry so we ordered a bowl of sweet potato chips and a burger, and they were huge. We were flatout getting through them but they tasted great. This is one of the only places that got every sweet potato wedge crispy ( it ruined me for any others I think). After a full car and full stomachs we headed to 2 roads and topped up for the long drive ahead as we turned toward Mount Isa and our beloved Queensland.

Anyway we stopped along the road at a place called 41 mile bore rest stop and it was a nice place to set up and rest if it wasn’t for the flies. These things were out of control trying to become a food group as they go straight for the mouth and ears. We pulled out our secret fashion statement “THE HEAD NET” . It still doesn’t stop the humming or the feel of flies in your arm hair but it keeps them out your mouth. We pulled up and scored the most amazing spot with a cement pad for our tent so the ground sheet didn’t come out ( I am thankful for the small things). As the sunset so did the flies and the buzzing stopped the nets came off and we cooked ourselves some dinner and had a coffee while watching the stars overhead. It is so wonderfully peaceful out here and we were far enough from the road that trucks weren’t an issue. In fact the only issue we had was when I took the portaloo out of the truck and set it up some water had leaked into the bowl and I thought I will just open the valve and it will all be good. It wasn’t, as for some reason pressure had built up in the bottom tank and as soon as I cracked the top seal she sprayed on me. I am saying it was only the fresh water tank that got on me cause I don’t think I would cope with the alternative ( note to self never again buy a kings toilet).

We woke just before sunrise the next and I said to Di lets pack up quick before the flies come but only a few minutes later as the sun began lighting the sky the humming began and the head net was on. Aside from these little monsters it was still one of the nicest places we stayed and we slept well. After we got the Hilux on the move again (I love this Ute) we came to the Berkley Homestead which really is an oasis in the middle of nowhere with air conditioning and really good food and nice staff. We had the best tasting bacon and egg roll ever and 2 coffees that felt like a hug in a mug. Once again the world was wonderful so we set off again without filling up as I was determined to make the 700klm journey on one tank of diesel. It is amazing how you entertain yourself on long trips.

More long and boring straight roads were getting really boring but we got a strong reminder to stay alert as I saw what looked like a piece of plane wreckage 500 metres ahead. As we neared the site it was a large caravan and a Toyota Land Cruiser that were destroyed. We pulled up as their was no police tape or signs on it and it looked recent so we looked around to make sure no one was still there or worse still hurt. When we found no one we headed for the nearest police station as we had no signal only to be told we took care of that 2 days ago (we really prayed for the people in the vehicle as it did not look good. Both of our minds went our daughter Rachel and her crash and how much worse it could have been.

After a while more of driving we got within 18 klms of Mount Isa before the fuel light came on so erring on the side of caution in went a jerry can of diesel but I am declaring it a win for the fuel range, I just wasn’t wanting to drag any stuff from the bottom of the tank through the filters. We reached Mount Isa and stopped at Maccas to hatch a plan, which would include getting all our necessary gear for a service as the Hilux was due having done over 10000klms. We found a Supercheap and got all the right gear for the service.

We stopped at another roadside rest area which was nice even down to the carpet snake in the toilets and thought we may sleep in the Hilux but after 20 minutes we decided that was a rubbish idea and set up our tent properly and drifted off to sleep. knowing that in thew morning we would be servicing the ute flies and all. The service didn’t take as long as expected and really this vehicle has been brilliant without a single hiccup in performance or any niggling problems (except the reversing camera which failed on day 1. There is much more to follow as we are currently on the Sunshine Coast and have been helping Rachel choose a new car before we change vehicles and travel again. We spent time in Winton and Longreach and will be updating the blog shortly as we really loved the towns.